Parotitis: Treatments

How is parotitis treated?

Antibiotic therapy is the mainstay of treatment for parotitis that is caused by a bacterial infection. Additionally, if a secondary infection occurs within the mouth due to the dysfunctional salivary glands, antibiotics can be prescribed. Such an infection is diagnosed by fever or the presence of pus in the mouth. If complications such as an abscess occur, surgical drainage or aspiration may be required.

What you can do to improve your parotitis

In addition to following your health care provider’s instructions and taking all medications as prescribed, you can speed your recovery by:

Brushing your teeth frequently during the day and practicing good oral hygiene

Drinking extra fluids

Eating soft foods

Gargling with warm salt water

Refraining from smoking or other tobacco use

What are the potential complications of parotitis?

What are the potential complications of parotitis?

You can help minimize your risk of serious complications by following the treatment plan you and your health care professional design specifically for you. Complications of parotitis include:

What is parotitis?

Parotitis is the name given to inflammation and infection of the largest
of the salivary glands known as the parotid glands. Inflammation
results in swelling of the tissues that surround the salivary glands,
redness, and soreness. Salivary glands are responsible for producing
saliva in the mouth, which has the important function of cleansing the
mouth. Inflammation of the salivary glands r...
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Throat and neck symptoms of parotitis

What causes parotitis?

Bacterial infections of the salivary glands are commonly a result of an obstruction, such as salivary duct stones or poor oral hygiene. Drugs that cause dry mouth, such as some antihistamines, can increase the risk of parotitis, as can cancer treatments such as radiation therapy.